Adults, even the brightest ones, often struggle with learning new languages. Dr Nina Kazanina in the Department of Psychology Bristol University, explains why.
People comprehend their native language with great speed and accuracy, and without visible effort. Indeed, our ability to perform linguistic computations is remarkable, especially when compared with other cognitive domains in which our computational abilities may be rather modest. For example, an average person is infinitely slower than a computer when it comes to adding up numbers or remembering facts. On the other hand, most humans surpass computers when it comes to language-related tasks such as recognising sounds and words, and comprehending sentences. [continue reading…]
Violence between partners, friends and acquaintances appears prevalent both during and before college, according to results of a survey of students at three urban college campuses.
The transition from living at home to attending college may increase adolescents’ vulnerability to relationship violence, according to background information in the article. Factors associated with this risk include less parental monitoring and support, isolation in an unknown environment and a strong desire for peer acceptance that can change behaviors toward others. [continue reading…]
Luisa DillnerÂ
Tuesday July 8, 2008
The Guardian
A recent report suggests that more and more women are being offered antidepressants for the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Is this really the solution for a complex condition?
Last month the BBC reported a rise in the number of young women being diagnosed with depression when they really had PMS, and of women with PMS being handed antidepressants before trying anything else. The report was based on anecdotal evidence from the National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome (Naps). “We’ve noticed that it seems to be more of an issue. About 25% to 35% of the emails we get are from women saying they have been offered antidepressants,” says Jackie Howe, a founder member of Naps. Link to read article
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Source: The Guardian
Link to read this article in the excellent series The New Old Age  where, Jane Gross explores the unprecedented intergenerational challenges and shares the stories of readers, the advice of professionals, and the wisdom gleaned from her own experience caring for her mother in her waning years.Â
The four biggest mistakes I made while caring for my mother.
The New York Times
by Jane Gross
July 7 2008
